I smiled back.
Just as wide, and judging from the darkening of her cheeks, equally as warm.
For a brief moment, there was no one else, just that small woman and me in the room.
Smiling.
Until Seth hurried in, bringing with him a blast of arctic air. The sudden rush of cold burst the bubble that surrounded me and the beauty behind the desk. He stared between us, flummoxed. “Why are you just standing there?” Then he walked toward the desk, jerking his thumb in my direction.
“This is Mr. Maxwell, Alex.”
For some reason, my smile grew wider. That was the infamous Alex who was going to tan his hide?
That little slip of a woman?
Seth kept talking. “He’s tired, hungry, and thirsty.” He leaned forward, dropping his voice, but not low enough I couldn’t hear him. “And he’s kinda grumpy.”
My eyebrows shot up, my smile dropped, and I glared at him. I wasn’t grumpy. I was doing my best to be polite.
The smile vanished off Alex’s face, and her hand rose to her cheek in shock at his words. Her gaze flew to mine, knowing I had heard him. She reached over with her petite hand and pulled on his earlobe. “Seth! What did I tell you about learning to hold your tongue in front of guests?”
“Ow! I was only telling you so you were prepared. You like to be prepared.”
She rolled her eyes. “Take Mr. Maxwell’s luggage to his room, then go finish your chores. Now.”
I stayed where I was and watched her, waiting for her to speak. The smile she offered me had turned distant, professional, and indifferent. I much preferred the one we’d shared moments ago. She held out her hand, her voice cool and low as she greeted me. “Welcome to Sleepy Moose Inn, Mr. Maxwell. I apologize for Seth. He’s still learning his way around. I’m Alexis.”
Ah. Alexis to customers, Alex to people she liked. There was no doubt what category I fell into for her.
I crossed the short lobby and wrapped my hand around hers, unsure why her composure had changed so drastically. It was as if the warmth I had felt disappeared as soon as she heard my name.
The desire to know why shocked me. The feel of her hand in mine was strangely . . . right. Looking down, I could see her tiny hand was completely hidden in mine—as if I were protecting it.
Shaking my head at my foolish thought, I broke our brief contact. Her green eyes regarded me coolly, and I felt my impatience reach its peak.
“Maybe you should consider hiring grown-ups instead of children.”
She squared her shoulders. “Seth is seventeen, almost eighteen, and very capable.”
“In your opinion.”
“Is there something you’d like to tell me? Did Seth behave inappropriately?”
Opening my mouth, I was about to tell her exactly what he had done wrong in great detail. But I hesitated, remembering the way he’d begged me not to say anything. I shook my head and shut my mouth with a snap, unsure why I was keeping his poor behavior a secret.
“No, Alexis. It’s fine. I’d like to go to my room now. It’s been a long day.”
“Of course.” She handed me a key. “Room 240. Is there anything you require?”
“No, I’ll order some room service to be sent up. There is wireless, yes?”
“Yes, we have wireless, but we don’t offer room service.”
I frowned. “Then I’ll go to the restaurant.”
“There, ah, is no restaurant.”
My hand curled on the desk, a tight fist forming as I struggled to maintain my temper. “What do your guests eat, then?” I asked through gritted teeth.